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Scripture describes sin as a lot more serious than most people want to
accept. It tells us that sin has permeated every aspect of our being -
physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
Sin has affected every relationship we have a part in - relationships
with other people, with God and with creation. Physically, we are dying - a
direct consequence of sin entering the world. Spiritually, we are
already dead because of sin - and all of us would stay that way, if not
for what Jesus did on the cross. It is only because of what Jesus
did, to save us from our sins, that all this death and broken
relationships can be changed into life and restored relationships. This
"healing" can begin when we turn to Jesus for salvation, but it will not
be totally completed until the resurrection, when we see Jesus
face-to-face.
When we become genuine followers of Jesus, we will still struggle with sin, because of all the
habits and sinful inclinations we reinforced in our lives before we turned to
Jesus. We will still have to face temptations, and make choices of
whether to sin or to follow Jesus. But our ongoing lifestyle will be one
characterized by repentance and by a willing desire to follow Jesus. We will begin to take a
serious - in other words, an honest - view of how terrible
sin really is. Because of this, it will no longer be the desire of our
heart to live a life characterized by the types of conduct that drove
our Savior to the cross.
Sin - It's More Than Just
Doing "Bad Things" |
Doing "good things" can be just as sinful as doing "bad
things" - if they are done for the wrong reasons, or if they are done as
a substitute for more important obligations.
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How Sin Entered the World |
This is part of a commentary on Genesis 1 - 3. We
learn about how sin entered the world, as well as some of the consequences of
sin. (There is - must be - judgment, but there are also hints of hope.) This chapter explains why things are the way they are, today. [The link
will take you to the title page... look for the sections on Genesis 3.] |
Group of Studies |
Some of the Consequences of Sin |
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Our focus here is on some of the general effects of
sin. We are not focusing so much on the issue of "judgment," as on sin's
day-to-day effects. (There is a separate page for the issue of
"Judgment.") |
Living in a "Meaningless" World |
A look at Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (with some
introductory comments about the entire book of Ecclesiastes). Nothing
in this world gives us lasting meaning. It's about time we stop
denying the truth and change our focus to eternal things - which do
have lasting meaning (and which also give meaning to the things of this
world)! |
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Living with a "Heavy Burden" & the "Curse" |
A look at Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 and Genesis 3. The
"heavy burden" of life is due to the effects of sin - not only on ourselves,
but on everything around us (all of creation). Because of sin,
the entire world is under a curse. Yet in the midst of this curse, God has
given us hope. (This article looks at both of these issues.) |
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The Bible says...
But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin,
so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ,
might be given to those who believe. (Galatians 3:22)
... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... (Romans
3:23)
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